Spalletti: Inter can make things hard for Juventus

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Luciano Spalletti, Manager of Inter Milan looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on November 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti admits it won’t easy going up against Juventus, but he also views it as an ideal chance to assess his side’s progress

The Nerazzurri have won eight of their last 10 Serie A matches to move up to third in the Serie A table and 11 points adrift of leaders Juventus after a poor start to the season.

Now awaiting them will be the first Derby d’Italia of the 2018/19 campaign at the Allianz Stadium against the unbeaten Bianconeri.

Closing such a big gap in the standings is no mean feat, but Friday’s clash provides Inter with a chance to take three points out of their rivals.

And Spalletti is convinced his men can make life hard for Juventus if they work together as a team for the entire game.

“This match is a test in which we can evaluate our preparation and ability to aim high,” said Spalletti on the club website.

“Juventus have ability, strength and character, they’ve not always dominated in games but they know how to make the most of individual episodes, they know how to grind things out and they have a great mentality with leaders all over the pitch.